Vietnam has become one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the world and is frequently visited by travelers all year round. The country has everything you need for the perfect tropical getaway. The weather is favorable, the beaches are beautiful, water is clear and the food is incredibly tasty. But besides lounging by the beach, you can also go hike in the mountains, explore underground caves, cruise around Halong Bay, party in the vibrant cities, get tailor made clothes in Hoi An, go island hopping and much, much more. Vietnam is a country filled with adventures so make sure you stay here for at least one month if you want to be able to see and do most of it.
The Landmark 81 in Ho Chi Minh City
As a citizen of Kenya, you are required to apply for a Vietnam visa, regardless if you’re coming for business or for leisure. There are two types of visas you can apply for. The very first option is to get the online visa “Visa on Arrival”. It’s highly recommended to get this type of visa because you can apply for it from wherever you are in the world. The other option is to go to a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate and apply with them. Read on to get further information about the two visa options.
I heard about Vietnam e-visa. Can I apply for Vietnam e-visa if I am citizens of Kenya? (No, citizens of Kenya are not eligible for Vietnam e-visa)
From 01 Feb 2019, under Decision 17/2019/NĐ-CP of the Government of Vietnam, there are 80 countries which citizens of it are eligible to apply online for an e-visa of Vietnam online (e-visa is a single entry valid for staying 30 days). We check but not found Kenya national in this list, therefore, citizens of Kenya should choose two options below to get a visa for Vietnam
1. Visa on Arrival – Apply online for pre-approval then pick up the visa on arrival at the airport of Vietnam
Tourist pick up visa on arrival at Da Nang Int’l Airport, Vietnam
This is the most preferred option for travelers who are going to Vietnam. If you live far away from the Vietnamese Embassy for example, or you do not want to send important documents such as your passport, this is the best option for you. It’s easy to apply to, quick to get and affordable. To apply for a VOA, you only need your computer and internet. If you get a Visa on Arrival, you are allowed to enter Vietnam through any of the 5 international airports: Da Nang, Khanh Hoa, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Hai Phong. You can only travel by air if you get a VOA, meaning you can’t enter Vietnam by bus, car, and so forth.
The process is very simple. What you need to do is fill out the Online Application form with all relevant information. What you need to state in the application form is:
- Your full name, as stated in your passport
- Date of Birth – The format they use in Vietnam is DD/MM/YY
- Your nationality – as stated in your passport
- Your passport number
- Date of Arrival – you can state a date of arrival and then arrive later, but not earlier
After you have filled this information out, you have to wait for a confirmation email which usually arrives within 1-2 working hours. Normally you will receive an Approval Letter within 2 working days. When the letter comes, don’t forget to print it out so the immigration officers in Vietnam can stamp your passport. If you need an emergency visa, you can get one within 40 minutes to 4 hours. This will cost you more money, but you will be able to get it much faster.
On arrival support for fast check-in at Vietnam Airports
You also have the option to buy “On Arrival Support” which is a very good option for those who wants to check in to Vietnam faster:
- Standard Support : +US$20/pp
Our staff will meet you in front of the “visa on arrival” desk with a welcome board, then take care of all procedures necessary to get the visa stamped on your passport. Please prepare 25 USD/person and give it to our staff to pay for the visa stamp fee.
- VIP Support : +US$35/pp
Our staff will meet you in front of the “visa on arrival” desk with a welcome board, receive your passport and give it back with the visa within 5-10 minutes, then escort you to check out via the VIP gate. Please prepare 25 USD/person and give it to our staff to pay for the visa stamp fee.
2. Apply for a visa through the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate
Vietnam tourist visa – single entry
The reason why applying for a visa with the Consulate or Embassy of Vietnam in the nearby country of Kenya might not be recommended is because it’s not as convenient if you don’t live close to the embassy. You will have to spend more time on transportation for example, and money to get to and from the embassy. You also need to remember to bring all the necessary documents such as your passport, and if you happen to forget anything, you need to start the process all over again. You will also need to pick up your passport in the embassy or consulate. Also, be kindly advised that the fees and procedures are subject to change depending on where you apply.
